Leadership & Determination

24 Oct 2012

I want to share with you an example of leadership and determination. For those of you who are fans of golf (at least 50% of the population), last week’s Ryder Cup victory by the European team over their fierce rivals, the United States, will remain vivid and will resonate for quite some time. For the other 50%, you really missed something quite remarkable and I recommend a visit to YouTube!

The European victory was achieved against remarkable odds. Playing on home soil, the US required only four-and-a-half points from a possible twelve on the final day of competition (in individual one-on-one matches). Somehow the Europeans managed to secure eight and a half points to clinch a historic 14½-13½ win. It was enthralling television; pure theatre at the highest level of sport. The outcome emphasised for me the impact and power that belief in, and dedication to, a common cause can have.

This was a team on a mission. Their leader Jose Maria Olazabal was unshakable in his belief that they would prevail in spite of the odds. “I think the team understood that believing was the most important thing,” he said. “And I think they did.” For me, the European’s achievement serves as a reminder of what’s possible with the right leadership, dedication, perseverance and a sprinkling of good luck.